Bloggin' Buddies (Surprise Gifts & A Meeting)

Wow! This weekend was just full of bloggin' blessings! One of them was a surprise to me and the other has been a surprise that I've been waiting to share after it happened!

First of all, this past Saturday, Joy and I came home from a busy day....a birthday party and some grocery shopping. As I brought my groceries into the kitchen, I spied a box on my kitchen counter (mail brought in by Jason). I didn't waste any time checking it out. Sure enough...it was addressed to me....from Donna (Never So Simple). I tore into it (with help from Joy), and imagine Joy's surprise to find goodies labeled with her name too! I have to admit, though, that I fussed a little bit at Donna when I saw that it was from her. If you have followed Donna's blog, you know that they're going through some tough times right now, and she shouldn't have done this! It's obvious that Donna is such a sweet, giving person!

Well here's what she sent me........a longaberger basket with more prim goodies tucked inside! There was a prim star, a pumpkie pie tart, a pipberry wreath, and prim fixins'! I was so excited! I know the basket is probably supposed to be a bread basket, but I'm thinking it will look really nice (and just the right size) for the back of my toilet in the newly remodeled bathroom. I haven't made up my mind for sure if that's where it's permanent home will be, as I'm still tweaking. But wasn't this the nicest gift, especially knowing the heart with which she gave it? Thank you so much, Donna! I treasure your friendship!



And as if that wasn't enough, she had a stash of goodies for Joy too! Included in her goodies was the coolest mechanical pencils, colorful fashionable erasers, a journal, "Joy" letters, and a jewelry kit. All of these things fit Joy perfectly. She always has paper and pencil in hand, writing something and she loves crafty things! Donna made her a very happy little girl! Thank you again, Donna!



The second thing I'd like to share with you was my very first meeting with a fellow bloggin' buddy! Can you believe it? I know many of you have done this, but it's a first for me! Not long ago I had my 200th post giveaway and first year blogging anniversary. Well the winner of the giveaway was Susan (Penless Writer). After receiving the goodies in the mail and seeing my address, she got in touch with me and told me that she and her husband were traveling my way to see relatives and asked if I would like to meet with them. I was so excited! We worked out the details and met them Sunday afternoon at a local restaurant in town after church! It was just the neatest thing and Susan and her husband, Mickey, are the sweetest couple! They are a very genuine Christian couple, very active in their church, and we had a wonderful conversation and time together....the five of us......Susan, Mickey, Jason, Joy and me. I wish Colt could have been there, but he was in an afternoon church service playing and leading music.

Joy showed Mr. Mickey how to hold chopsticks and they practiced on the french fries! (That would have made a good picture). I feel like I've known them much longer! I really enjoyed our meeting and like Susan said, I don't think it was an accident at all that she was the winner of my giveaway right before they were going to be traveling my direction!

Here's a picture taken by the cashier at the restaurant. I have to admit that I do not like this picture of me at all (I know everybody says it, but it honestly looks like it added 10 lbs!) Anyway, it's the only one the girl took, so I wanted you to see us all together!



And when we went back out to our cars, Susan gave me some honey which came from the bees they raise! And look closely at that bottle.......I didn't notice it until the way home, but usually you see a honey bear bottle......but this one is an angel! Isn't that the cutest thing? I learned that Susan collects angels and I wish I had known it because I sure would have taken her an angel. However, I did take her a Blessings stitchery......I guess that goes with angels though, right?



And Susan said as she drove off that I would get to blog about our meeting before she would. I think they won't return for ten days. I told her that I would wait, but she told me to go ahead. She didn't have to twist my arm too much, because I've been anxiously waiting this meeting and wanting to post that I was meeting a blogger and make a mystery blogger....but I restrained myself! lol! So, I'm glad to finally be able to tell it! (Thanks, Susan)!

This was just an wonderful weekend of bloggin' blessings. I am amazed at the bond I've come to share with many bloggin' buddies out there, and with the kindness as well. When you count your blessings today, don't forget to include your bloggin' buddies! :)